Light source device, image reading apparatus and image reading method

ABSTRACT

A light source device which can prevent a large-sized structure of the device, a light source device which can improve assembling efficiency and maintenability of the device, and an image forming method and apparatus in which occurrence of moisture condensation can be prevented, are provided. An LED substrate in which a large number of light emitting diodes (LED) are arranged on the surface thereof in a two-dimensional manner, a base, a Peltier element, and a radiating fin are formed integrally by urging force of a compression spring. The radiating fin is disposed in contact with a light source housing body. Further, in carrying out temperature adjustment control using the Peltier element, the temperature adjustment control is carried out only when the internal temperature of the device in which a light source device is provided, is a predetermined temperature or higher.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a light source device, an imagereading apparatus, and an image reading method. In particular, itrelates to a light source device which is capable of suppressing changeof state of emitted light, resulting from variation of temperature, andan image reading apparatus equipped with the light source device, andalso to an image reading method in the image reading apparatus.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] In recent years, image reading apparatuses have been put topractical use, wherein illuminating light is applied to a reflectionoriginal such as a photographic print, or a transmission original suchas a photographic film, and reflected light or transmitted light fromthe original which carries image information to be recorded thereon, isreceived by an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) so asto allow reading of an image recorded on the original, and variouscorrections are made for image data obtained by the reading, andthereafter, the image is recorded on a recording material such asphotographic printing paper, or the image is shown on a display. Suchimage reading apparatuses have an advantage in that automation of anoperation from reading of an image recorded on an original to recordingof the image on a recording material or displaying of the image on adisplay is facilitated.

[0005] In this kind of image reading apparatus, a white light sourcesuch as a halogen lamp has been conventionally employed as a lightsource which applies light to an original. Recently, an apparatus usingan LED light source in place of the white light source has been put topractical use, which LED light source includes a large number of lightemitting diodes (LED) which emit light of red (R), green (green), andblue (B) (additionally, infrared (IR) light may also be used to detect adefect position) are arranged on a substrate.

[0006] Due to the LED light source as described above being applied, nofilter provided for color separation of the white light source isrequired, and the structure of the apparatus becomes simple. Further,setting of conditions of each color balance or the like can also besimplified.

[0007] However, in the LED light source used by the image readingapparatus described above, when an environmental temperature at theposition where the LED light source is disposed, changes or whenvariation of temperature is caused by generation of heat from the lightsource itself, the wavelength of light emitted from the light source orthe amount of emitted light changes. Therefore, there exists a problemin that image data read at the time before and after variation oftemperature may change and image data of high quality cannot beobtained.

[0008] In order to solve the above-described problem, the techniquedisclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 7-175035can be applied, wherein a Peltier element (a Peltier device) is contactfixed to a reverse surface of a light source or a reflection plate, anda temperature sensor is provided in the vicinity of the light source,and temperature control is effected so that the temperature detected bythe temperature sensor becomes a set value.

[0009] However, in the technique disclosed in JP-A No. 7-175035, aPeltier element having a great amount of radiation heat is used toadjust the temperature of the light source. Therefore, a large-size fanis required for discharging radiation heat. As a result, there exists aproblem in that an entire apparatus is made larger.

[0010] Further, in the technique in which a Peltier element is used fortemperature control, which includes the technique disclosed in JP-A No.7-175035, generally, when the Peltier element is mounted at a positionat which the temperature is adjusted, it is adhesion fixed to theposition by using an adhesive having a high thermal conductivity.Therefore, there exists a problem in that assembling efficiency andmaintenability are poor.

[0011] Moreover, the technique disclosed in JP-A No. 7-175035 has aproblem in that, when the temperature of the light source is rapidlyraised by the Peltier element, moisture condensation may be caused inthe light source or members provided in the vicinity of the lightsource. In this case, there exist problems in that the apparatus is aptto fail, and when moisture condensation occurs in the light source,uniformity of light emitted from the light source is not maintained,thereby resulting in no high quality image data being obtained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention has been accomplished so as to solve theabove-described problems. A first object of the present invention is toprovide a light source device which can prevent formation of alarge-sized device, and a second object thereof is to provide a lightsource device of which assembling efficiency and maintenability can beimproved, and further, a third object of the present invention is toprovide an image reading method and apparatus in which occurrence ofmoisture condensation can be prevented.

[0013] In order to achieve the above-described object, a first aspect ofthe present invention is a light source device comprising: a lightsource which emits light; a temperature detecting section for detectinga temperature of the light source; a temperature adjusting element whichadjusts the temperature of the light source by effecting at least one ofheat absorption and heat radiation; a heat radiating member whichradiates heat of at least one of the light source and the temperatureadjusting element, the heat radiating member being disposed in contactwith a housing body of the device; and a control section for controllingthe temperature adjusting element so that a temperature detected by thetemperature detecting section becomes a predetermined temperature.

[0014] The above-described temperature detecting section may be anytemperature sensor such as thermistor, thermocouple, and the like. Theabove-described temperature adjusting element may be any element ordevice such as a Peltier element (a Peltier device), which is capable ofabsorbing heat and radiating the heat. The above-describe heat radiatingmember may be any member such as a radiating fin, which is capable ofradiating heat.

[0015] Further, as the material used for the above-described devicehousing body, materials having a high thermal conductivity, for example,metal such as aluminum or copper, or ceramics are used.

[0016] According to the first aspect of the present invention, thetemperature adjusting element is controlled by the control section sothat the temperature detected by the temperature detecting sectionbecomes a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperaturementioned herein may preferably be a temperature at which light can bestably emitted from the light source, or a temperature at whichdeterioration of the light source with passage of time can berestrained.

[0017] As described above, according to the light source device of thefirst aspect, the heat radiating member for radiating heat of at leastone of the light source and the temperature adjusting element foradjusting the temperature of the light source, is disposed in contactwith the device housing body, thereby making it possible to efficientlydischarge heat from the light source and the temperature adjustingelement. Accordingly, a fan provided for discharging radiated heat canbe made smaller, thereby preventing the device from being made larger.

[0018] Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention,in the structure of the first aspect, it is preferable that a fan forcooling the, heat radiating member is further provided and the controlsection controls so as to operate the fan when the temperature detectedby the temperature detecting section is higher than the predeterminedtemperature.

[0019] According to the second aspect, the fan for cooling the heatradiating member is controlled by the control section in the firstaspect of the present invention so as to operate when the temperaturedetected by the temperature detecting section is higher than thepredetermined temperature. The above-described fan may be any fan suchas a scirocco fan (a multi-blade fan), a turbo fan, a plate fan, anaxial-flow fan and the like.

[0020] As described above, according to the second aspect, the sameeffect as that of the first aspect can be obtained, and when thetemperature detected by the temperature detecting section is higher thanthe predetermined temperature, the fan is controlled so as to operate.Accordingly, an effect of radiating heat by the heat radiating membercan be obtained and temperature adjustment control can be effected withhigh accuracy.

[0021] In order to achieve the above-described object, a third aspect ofthe present invention is a light source device comprising: a lightsource in which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged on asubstrate; a temperature detecting section for detecting a temperatureof the light source; a temperature adjusting element which adjusts thetemperature of the light source by effecting at least one of heatabsorption and heat radiation; a heat radiating member for radiatingheat of at least one of the light source and the temperature adjustingelement; an urging section for integrally forming the light source, thetemperature adjusting element, and the heat radiation member by urgingforce thereof; and a control section for controlling the temperatureadjusting element so that a temperature detected by the temperaturedetecting section becomes a predetermined temperature.

[0022] The above-described light emitting element may be any elementsuch as light emitting diode, semiconductor laser, electro luminescence(EL) element, and the like, which is capable of being mounted on asubstrate. The above-described temperature detecting section may be anytemperature sensor such as thermistor, thermocouple, and the like. Thetemperature adjusting element may be any element such as Peltierelement, power transistor, and the like, which is capable of at leastone of absorbing heat and radiating heat. Further, the heat radiatingmember may be any member such as a radiating fin, which is capable ofradiating (discharging) heat, and the urging section may be any memberwhich is capable of generating urging force, for example, spring such ascompression spring and plate spring, and elastic material such asrubber.

[0023] Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention,the temperature adjusting element is controlled by the control sectionso that the temperature detected by the temperature detecting sectionbecomes a predetermined temperature. The above-described predeterminedtemperature is preferably a temperature at which light can be stablyemitted from the light source, or a temperature at which deteriorationof the light source with passage of time can be prevented.

[0024] As described above, according to the third aspect of the presentinvention, the light source in which a plurality of light emittingelements are arranged on a substrate (for example, in a two-dimensionalmanner), the temperature adjusting element for adjusting the temperatureof the light source by effecting at least one of absorbing heat andradiating heat, and the heat radiating member for radiating heat of atleast one of the light source and the temperature adjusting element areformed integrally by urging force of the urging section. Therefore, ascompared with a conventional structure in which the light source,temperature adjusting member, and heat radiation member are formedintegrally by adhesion, assembling efficiency and maintenability of thedevice can be substantially improved.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in thestructure of the third aspect, preferably, in the light source, thetemperature adjusting element and the heat radiating member which areintegrally formed, elastic members are further provided which areinterposed between respective contact surfaces of the light source,temperature adjusting element, and heat radiating member.

[0026] As a result, it is possible to reduce force applied to urgedpositions on the contact surfaces when the light source, temperatureadjusting element, and heat radiation member are formed integrally.Accordingly, breakage of each component can be prevented and the statein which these components closely contact with one another, can beimproved.

[0027] Further, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, the elasticmembers of the fourth aspect are preferably formed so as to includematerial having a high thermal conductivity.

[0028] As a result, thermal conductivity of a heat radiation pathbetween the light source, the temperature adjusting element, and theheat radiating member can be improved, and adjustment of the temperatureof the light source by the temperature adjusting element and radiationof heat by the heat radiating member can be carried out efficiently.

[0029] Further, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, inany one of the third, fourth and fifth aspects, preferably, a fan forcooling the heat radiating member is further provided, and the controlsection controls so as to operate the fan when the temperature detectedby the temperature detecting section is higher than the predeterminedtemperature.

[0030] According to the light source device of the sixth aspect, the fanfor cooling the heat radiating member is controlled by the controlsection in any one of the third to fifth aspects so as to operate whenthe temperature detected by the temperature detecting section is higherthan the predetermined temperature. The above-described fan comprisesany fan such as scirocco fan, turbo fan, plate fan, axial-flow fan andthe like.

[0031] As described above, according to the sixth aspect, the sameeffect as that of any one of the third to fifth aspects can be obtained,and when the temperature detected by the temperature detecting sectionis higher than the predetermined temperature, the fan is controlled soas to operate. Accordingly, an effect of radiating heat by the heatradiating member can be improved and temperature adjustment control canbe carried out with high accuracy.

[0032] Further, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention,in any one of the first to sixth aspects, preferably, a dampproofingmember is further provided, which has a dampproofing effect and which isdisposed so that at least one of the plurality of light emittingelements (the light source) and the temperature adjusting element isisolated from the outside in a state of being combined with othermember. As the material used for the dampproofing member,polyether-based polyurethane, polyester-based polyurethane and the likecan be used.

[0033] As a result, occurrence of moisture condensation in at least oneof the light emitting elements and the temperature adjusting element,which is (are) isolated from the outside, can be prevented.

[0034] In order to achieve the above-described object, an eighth aspectof the present invention is an image reading apparatus for reading animage on an original, comprising: a light source device according to anyone of the first to seventh aspects; an image sensor which receiveslight emitted from the light source device and reflected by ortransmitted through the original, thereby reading an image on theoriginal; and a device temperature detecting section for detecting atemperature within the image reading apparatus, wherein only when thetemperature detected by the device temperature detecting section becomesa prefixed temperature or higher, the control section of the lightsource device controls the temperature adjusting element.

[0035] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, lightemitted from the light source device in any one of the first to seventhaspects and reflected by or transmitted through an original is receivedby the image sensor, and an image on the original is read. Thetemperature within the device is detected by the device temperaturedetecting section. The above-described image sensor comprises anyphotoelectric transfer element in addition to CCD such as linear CCD andarea CCD. Further, the device temperature detecting section comprisesany temperature sensor such as thermistor, thermocouple and the like.

[0036] According to the eighth aspect, the above-described temperatureadjusting element is controlled by the control section in the lightsource device only when the temperature detected by the devicetemperature detecting section becomes a prefixed temperature or higher.

[0037] As described above, according to the image reading apparatus ofthe eighth aspect, the temperature adjusting element is controlled onlywhen the temperature within the device becomes the prefixed temperatureor higher. Therefore, the state in which the temperature of the lightsource is rapidly raised by the temperature adjusting element can beavoided, and occurrence of moisture condensation can be prevented.

[0038] Moreover, a ninth aspect of the present invention is an imagereading method of an image reading apparatus for reading an image on anoriginal, in which the image reading apparatus comprises a light sourcedevice according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, whereinonly when the temperature within the image reading apparatus becomes aprefixed temperature or higher, the temperature adjusting element iscontrolled by the control section of the light source device.

[0039] Accordingly, the image reading method of the ninth aspect has thesame function as that of the eighth aspect. Therefore, in the samemanner as in the eighth aspect, the state in which the temperature ofthe light source is rapidly raised by the temperature adjusting element,can be avoided, and occurrence of moisture condensation can beprevented.

[0040] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention in any oneof the first to the ninth aspects, in any one of the first to the ninthaspects, the predetermined temperature is set so as to be higher than anenvironmental temperature at a position in which the light source deviceis disposed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041]FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a digital laboratorysystem according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 2 is an outside view of the digital laboratory systemaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0043]FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of an area CCD scannersection in the digital laboratory system according to the embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0044]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view showing a detailed structureof a light source portion in the area CCD scanner section according tothe embodiment of the present invention.

[0045]FIG. 5 is a perspective view which schematically shows an LEDsubstrate in the light source portion according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0046]FIG. 6 is a block diagram which schematically shows the structureof an electric system relating to a temperature-adjustment controlportion in the area CCD scanner section according to the embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0047]FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the flow of atemperature-adjustment control program according to the embodiment ofthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] An embodiment of the present invention will be hereinafterdescribed in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Thefollowing description will be given in a case in which the presentinvention is applied to a digital laboratory system.

[0049] Schematic Structure of the Entire System:

[0050]FIGS. 1 and 2 each show a schematic structure of a digitallaboratory system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, the digital laboratory system 10 isstructured so as to include an area CCD scanner section 14, an imageprocessing section 16, a laser printer section 18, and a processorsection 20. The area CCD scanner section 14 and the image processingsection 16 are integrated as an input section 26 shown in FIG. 2. Thelaser printer section 18 and the processor section 20 are integrated asan output section 28 shown in FIG. 2.

[0052] The area CCD scanner section 14 is used to read frame imagesrecorded on a photographic film such as a negative film or a reversalfilm. For example, frame images on a 135-size photographic film, a110-size photographic film, a photographic film with a transparentmagnetic layer formed thereon (i.e., a 240-size photographic film: aso-called APS film), and 120-size and 220-size (Brownie-size)photographic films can be read. In the area CCD scanner section 14, theabove-described frame images to be read are read by an area CCD 30 andsubjected to analog/digital (A/D) conversion in an A/D converter 32, andthereafter, image data subjected to shading correction is outputted tothe image processing section 16.

[0053] Shading correction is used to correct ununiformity ofphotoelectric transfer characteristics of the area CCD 30 per cell, andillumination unevenness. In a state in which an adjusting film image ofwhich image plane entirely has a fixed density, is set in the area CCDscanner section 14, or in a state in which no original such asphotographic film is set in the area CCD scanner section 14, an image isread by the area CCD 30, and based on image data outputted from the areaCCD 30 (irregularities of density for each pixel represented by theimage data is caused by ununiformity of photoelectric transfercharacteristics between cells, and illumination unevenness), a gain(that is, shading data) is set for each cell, and image data of filmimages to be read, outputted from the area CCD scanner section 14, iscorrected for each pixel in accordance with the gain set for each cell.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the digital laboratory system 10 in acase in which a 240-size photographic film (APS film) F is used therein,will be described hereinafter.

[0055] The image processing section 16 inputs image data (scan imagedata) outputted from the area CCD scanner section 14, and is provided soas to be capable of inputting, from externally, image data obtained byphotographing using a digital camera 34 or the like, image data obtainedby reading an original (for example, a reflection original) with ascanner 36 (of flat-bed type), image data generated by a differentcomputer and recorded on a floppy disk (FD), a magneto-optical disk(MO), a compact disk (CD) or the like, and further inputted via a floppydisk drive 38, an MO or CD drive 40 or the like, and communication imagedata received via a modem 42 (these image data are generically referredto as file image data).

[0056] The image processing section 16 stores the inputted image data inan image memory 44 and effects image processing such as variouscorrections for the image data in a color gradation processing portion46, a hypertone processing portion 48, a hypersharpness processingportion 50 and the like. The image data subjected to image processing isoutputted, as recording image data, to the laser printer section 18.Further, the image processing section 16 can also output externally theimage data subjected to image processing as an image file (for example,it can output the image data to a storage medium such as FD, MO, CD orthe like, or can transmit the image data to other information processingequipment via a communication line).

[0057] The laser printer section 18 includes laser light sources 52 ofred (R), green (G), and blue (B). A laser driver 54 is controlled andlaser light modulated in correspondence to recording image data inputtedfrom the image processing section 16 (which image data is temporarilystored in the image memory 56) is applied to a photographic printingpaper 62, and further, an image (latent image) is recorded on thephotographic printing paper 62 by scan and exposure (in the presentembodiment, an optical system mainly using a polygon mirror 58 and an fθlens 60 is used).

[0058] The processor section 20 carries out processing of colordevelopment, bleach-fix, washing and drying for the photographicprinting paper 62 on which an image is recorded by scan and exposure inthe laser printer section 18. As a result, an image is formed on thephotographic printing paper 62.

[0059] Structure of Area CCD Scanner Section:

[0060] Next, a description will be given of the structure of the areaCCD scanner section 14, which is particularly related to the presentinvention. FIG. 3 schematically shows the structure of an optical systemof the area CCD scanner section 14. The optical system includes a lightsource portion 80 which applies light to the photographic film F (thatis, irradiates the photographic film F with the light). A film carrier90 is disposed at the light emitting side of the light source portion 80from which light is emitted, and is provided so as to convey, in apredetermined direction (i.e., the direction indicated by arrow S inFIG. 3), the photographic film F set with an image plane of a frameimage thereof being made perpendicular to an optical axis L1 (that is,an optical axis of a lens unit, which will be described later, servingas an imaging optical system).

[0061] The light source portion 80 according to the present embodimentis, as shown in FIG. 4, structured in such a manner that a light sourcehousing body 88 formed by a combination of an upper housing body 88A anda lower housing body 88B, is provided as a casing so as to cover an LEDlight source portion 82 which will be described later.

[0062] An opening H1 having a rectangular configuration when seen fromthe top is formed in the upper housing body 88A, and a diffusion box 84is mounted in the opening H1. A diffusion box guiding member (not shown)is provided in the vicinity of the opening H1. When the diffusion box 84is mounted in the opening H1, it is guided by the diffusion box guidingmember and mounted exactly at a predetermined mounting position.

[0063] Further, an opening H2 having a rectangular configuration whenseen from the top is also formed in the lower housing body 88B, and theLED light source portion 82 is provided in the opening H2.

[0064] The LED light source portion 82 is structured so as to include anLED substrate 100, an acrylic cover 110, a base 112, a Peltier element114, and a radiating fin 116.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, the LED substrate 100 is structured in such amanner that a large number of LED elements 102 are arranged thereon in atwo-dimensional manner, and is provided so as to emit light in thedirection along the optical axis L1.

[0066] The LED elements 102 according to the present embodiment areprovided in such a manner that, along the direction indicated by arrow Ain FIG. 5, one row of LED elements emitting light of blue (B), one rowof LED elements emitting infrared light (IR), one row of LED elementsemitting light of green (G), and one row of LED elements emitting lightof red (R) are repeatedly arranged in the order of B, IR, G, and R.

[0067] Further, respective terminals of the LED elements 102 on the LEDsubstrate 100 are each connected to a connector 152 provided at an endof the LED substrate 100 by wiring (not shown). The connector 152 isconnected to a main control section (not shown) which manages an entireoperation of the area CCD scanner section 14, and the LED elements 102can each be controlled by the main control section in an on/off statefor each of colors R, G, B, and IR of emitted light.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, the surface of a base 112 with a temperaturedetecting portion of a thermistor 108 being contact fixed at an endthereof, is adhesion fixed, by an adhesive having a high thermalconductivity, onto the reverse surface of the LED substrate 100, whichis opposite to the side at which the LED elements are disposed. The base112 is made of metal such as aluminum or copper, having a high thermalconductivity. The base 112 serves to reduce irregularities in thetemperature, resulting from local light emission of a group of LEDelements on the LED substrate 100, and to uniformly change thetemperature of the LED substrate 100 at the time oftemperature-adjustment control by the Peltier element 114, which will bedescribed later. Further, the base 112 also serves to preventdeformation (such as warping) of the LED substrate 100 when the LEDsubstrate 100, the Peltier element 114, and the radiating fin 116 areformed integrally.

[0069] The base 112 formed integrally with the LED substrate 100 asdescribed above, is integrated with the Peltier element 114 and theradiating fin 116 by a plurality of pins 122, sleeves 124 made of resin,compression springs 126, collars 127, and E-type retaining rings 128 sothat the reverse surface of the base 112 opposite to the side at whichthe base 112 adheres to the LED substrate 100, and one surface of thePeltier element 114 closely contact each other via an elastic member114A having a high thermal conductivity, and the surface of theradiating fin 116 at the side at which no fin is provided, and anothersurface of the Peltier element 114 closely contact each other via anelastic member 114B having a high thermal conductivity.

[0070] In other words, through holes are formed at plural positions inthe vicinity of an end of the base 112, and through holes are formed inthe radiating fin 116 at positions corresponding to the above-describedthrough holes. The Peltier element 114 is interposed between the base112 and the radiating fin 116 via the elastic members 114A and 114B, andeach shaft portion of a pin 122 is inserted into a corresponding throughhole from the side of the base 112 through a sleeve 124 so as to allowboth the through hole of the base 112 and the corresponding through holeof the radiating fin 116 to be inserted by the shaft portion of the pin122. Thereafter, a compression spring 126 is mounted around the shaftportion of the pin 122 projecting from the surface of the radiating fin116 on which a fin (fin portion) is formed.

[0071] A portion near the end of the shaft portion of each pin 122 isformed as a small-diameter (neck) portion, and a through hole is formedin each E-type retaining ring 126 so as to correspond to theabove-described small-diameter portion. The E-type retaining ring 126 ismounted at the end of the shaft portion of the pin 122 by engaging theabove-described through hole of the E-type retaining ring 128 in thesmall-diameter portion near the end of the shaft portion of the pin 122,with the compression spring 126 being interposed between the radiatingfin 116 and the collar 127 having a diameter larger than the E-typeretaining ring 128. The force for engaging the E-type retaining ring 128in the pin 122 is designed so as to be larger than urging force of thecompression spring 126 mounted between the radiating fin 116 and theE-type regaining ring 128. Therefore, there is no possibility that theE-type retaining ring 128 is separated from the shaft portion of the pin122 due to urging force of the compression spring 126. Further, when theE-type retaining ring 128 is removed from the shaft portion of the pin122 at the time of maintenance or the like, the E-type retaining ring128 can be easily removed by using pliers (for example, radio-pliers) orthe like.

[0072] As described above, in the LED light source portion 82 accordingto the present embodiment, the LED substrate 100, the Peltier element114, and the radiating fin 116 are formed integrally by the urging forceof the compression spring 126. Therefore, as compared with aconventional structure in which the LED substrate 100, Peltier element114, and radiating fin 116 are integrated by adhesion, assemblingefficiency and maintenability can be substantially improved.

[0073] A dampproofing member 120 having a dampproofing (moistureproofing) effect is disposed between the base 112 and the radiating fin116 so as to surround the Peltier element 114. As a result, moisturecondensation of the Peltier element 114 can be prevented.

[0074] In the present embodiment, polyether-based polyurethane is usedas a material for the dampproofing member 120. Further, heat conductivesilicon is used as materials for the elastic members 114 A and 114B.

[0075] A hole into which a screw 150A can be driven, is formed at eachof plural positions at the end of the acrylic cover 110, and a hole intowhich the screw 150A can be driven, is formed at a position on theradiating fin 116, corresponding to each of the above-described holesformed on the acrylic cover 110. The acrylic cover 110 and the radiatingfin 116 are structured integrally in such a manner that the screws 150Aare respectively driven into corresponding holes at the pluralpositions.

[0076] At this time, a dampproofing member 118 having a dampproofingeffect is disposed between the acrylic cover 110 and the base 112 so asto surround the LED substrate 100. As a result, moisture condensation ofthe LED substrate 100 can be prevented.

[0077] A hole into which a screw 150B can be driven, is formed at eachof plural positions on the lower housing body 88B in the vicinity of theopening H2, and a hole into which the screw 150B can be driven, isformed at a position on the radiating fin 116, corresponding to each ofthe above-described holes formed on the lower housing body 88B. Thelower housing body 88B and the radiating fin 116 are structuredintegrally in such a manner that the screws 150B are respectively driveninto corresponding holes at the plural positions.

[0078] A fan 106 is disposed near and at the side of the fin formed inthe radiating fin 116. The fan 106 in the present embodiment, as shownin FIG. 4, takes the structure of a so-called scirocco fan which sucksin air from the upper side and blows off the air from the side portion.When the fan which is capable of blowing off air from the side portionthereof, is used as a cooling fan for the radiating fin 116, the fan canbe disposed at the side of the fin of the radiating fin 116. As comparedwith a case in which the fan is disposed so as to face the end of thefin in the radiating fin 116, the space required by the light sourceportion 80 can be reduced. Further, the scirocco fan has an excellenteffect of localized cooling. In this respect as well, the scirocco fanis preferably used as a cooling fan for the radiating fin 116.

[0079] As described above, in the LED light source portion 82 accordingto the present embodiment, the radiating fin 116 and the light sourcehousing body 88 contact each other, and therefore, radiation of heat(heat dissipation) at the time of temperature-adjustment control by thePeltier element 114 can be efficiently performed. Accordingly, the fan106 can be made into a small-sized fan. As a result, formation of thelight source portion 80 into a large-sized structure can be prevented.

[0080] The diffusion box 84 is formed into a cylinder of which upper endand lower end are open. The diffusion box 84 is mounted in the openingH1 of the upper housing body 88 A in such a manner that the opening atthe lower end thereof faces a region on the LED substrate 100 in whichthe LED elements 102 emit light. Accordingly, light emitted from the LEDlight source portion 82 is made incident into the diffusion box 84 insuch a manner as to scarcely cause any loss in the amount of light.

[0081] A reflection diffusing surface 84 A is formed on an innerperipheral surface of the diffusion box 84 and has high totalreflectance and diffuse reflectance of light and substantially uniformspectral reflection characteristics and spectral diffuse reflectioncharacteristics. Although the above-described “light” section,generally, electromagnetic wave having a wave band of 1 nm to 1 mm, the“light” mentioned herein section light having at least a visible region(a wave band having a range from about 400 nm to 750 nm).

[0082] The reflection diffusing surface 84A is formed by coating amaterial having high reflectance and diffuse reflectance of light andalso having substantially uniform spectral reflection characteristicsand spectral diffuse reflection characteristics, onto the innerperipheral surface of the diffusion box 84, or by forming the innerperipheral surface of the diffusion box 84 using a material having highreflectance and diffuse reflectance of light and also havingsubstantially uniform spectral reflection characteristics and spectraldiffuse reflection characteristics.

[0083] The diffusion box 84 guides light emitted form the LED lightsource portion 82 to a position near the film carrier 90 disposed abovethe diffusion box 84, and emits the light, as light (illuminating light)corresponding to a frame image to be read, toward the photographic filmF supported at a reading position R in the film carrier 90. At thistime, due to the light being diffused and reflected by the reflectiondiffusing surface 84A in irregular directions, ununiformity in theamount of light from the LED light source portion 82 is reduced (i.e.,ununiform distribution of the amount of light is corrected). Further,the reflection diffusing surface 84A diffuses and reflects light withoutmaking a change in the relative balance (so-called color balance) in theamounts of light of red, green, and blue emitted from the LED lightsource portion 82. Therefore, light is emitted from the diffusion box 84in a state in which the balance in the amount of the emitted light fromthe diffusion box 84 is substantially maintained as the same as that ofthe incident light which enters the diffusion box 84 (i.e., lightemitted from the LED light source portion 82).

[0084] The light source portion 80 having the above-described structureis provided so that the center of the diffusion box 84 and the center ofthe light emission region of the LED light source portion 82 eachcorrespond to the optical axis L1 in a state of being disposed at apredetermined position in the area CCD scanner section 14.

[0085] An opening through which light emitted from the light sourceportion 80 passes, is formed on each of the upper and lower surfaces ofthe film carrier 90 so as to correspond to a frame image set at thereading position R. Light emitted from the light source portion 80(specifically, the diffusion box 84) is applied to the photographic filmF through the opening formed on the lower surface of the film carrier90, and light having an amount of light corresponding to density of aframe image supported at the reading position R, is transmitted throughthe photographic film F. The light transmitted through the photographicfilm F is emitted from the opening formed on the upper surface of thefilm carrier 90.

[0086] A lens unit 92 for imaging light transmitted through the frameimage, and the area CCD 30 are sequentially disposed along the opticalaxis L1 at the side of the photographic film F opposite to the side atwhich the light source portion 80 is disposed. The lens unit 92 is shownas a single lens, but the lens unit 92 is practically a zoom lenscomprised of a plurality of lenses. Further, a SELFOC lens may also beused as the lens unit 92. In this case, both end surfaces of the SELFOClens are preferably made close to the photographic film F and the areaCCD 30 respectively as far as possible.

[0087] A sensing portion is provided at the side of the area CCD 30 onwhich light is made incident. The sensing portion includes a pluralityof CCD cells arranged in a two-dimensional manner and an electronicshutter mechanism. The area CCD 30 is disposed so that a light receivingsurface of the sensing portion coincides with a position at which animage is formed in the lens unit 92. A shutter (not shown) is providedbetween the area CCD 30 and the lens unit 92.

[0088] The area CCD 30 detects density information of a frame imagepositioned at the reading position R in the film carrier 90 and outputsas an image signal to the A/D converter 32 (see FIG. 1). The A/Dconverter 32 effects digital conversion for the image signal from thearea CCD 30. The area CCD scanner section 14 transmits the digitalsignal, as image data, to the image processing section 16.

[0089] A thermistor 104 for detecting the temperature in the vicinity ofthe area CCD 30, is provided in the vicinity of the area CCD 30. Thethermistor 104 is connected to the main control section (not shown).When the temperature detected by the thermistor 104 indicates anabnormal state, the main control section displays a message whichindicates an abnormal state, on a display 16 M (also seen in FIG. 2)provided in the image processing section 16, and further controls so asto stop the operation of the area CCD scanner section 14.

[0090] Further, the area CCD scanner section 14 according to the presentembodiment includes a temperature-adjustment control section 70 (seeFIG. 3) which effects control (hereinafter referred to as“temperature-adjustment control”) so as to allow the temperature of theLED elements 102 to become constant at a predetermined temperature (tofall within a predetermined temperature range) (hereinafter referred toas “target temperature-adjusted value”), for the purpose of preventingchange in the state of emitting light, which is caused by variation inthe temperature of a large number of LED elements 102 provided in theLED light source portion 82. The following description will be given ina case in which the target temperature-adjusted value is 40.0° C. Thetarget temperature-adjusted value corresponds to a predeterminedtemperature according to the aspects of the present invention.

[0091]FIG. 6 schematically shows the structure of an electric systemrelating to the temperature-adjustment control section 70. As shown inthis drawing, the temperature-adjustment control section 70 includes acentral processing unit (CPU) 130 which manages the operation of thetemperature-adjustment control section 70, a RAM 132 used as a work areaor the like of a temperature-adjustment control program which isexecuted when temperature-adjustment control is effected by the CPU 130,a ROM 134 in which the above-described temperature-adjustment controlprogram, various parameters, and the like are stored, and an I/O port136 which carries out input and output of various signals between thetemperature-adjustment control section 70 and the outside. The CPU 130,RAM 132, ROM 134, and I/O port 136 are connected with one another by abus.

[0092] The thermistor 108 is connected via an A/D converter 140 to theI/O port 136, and the Peltier element 114 and fan 106 are each connectedvia a driver 142 to the I/O port 136. The CPU 130 can detect thetemperature at the position in which the thermistor 108 is disposed(i.e., the end portion of the base 112), and can also control drive ofthe Peltier element 114 and fan 106 by the driver 142.

[0093] Further, the thermistor 104 is connected via the A/D converter140 to the I/O port 136. The CPU 130 can detect the temperature at theposition in which the thermistor 104 is disposed (i.e., the position inthe vicinity of the area CCD 30).

[0094] A register 146 connected to the main control section (not shown),is connected to the CPU 130, and the CPU 130 stores therein informationwhich indicates a temperature-adjustment control state and the state ofthe light source portion 80 for a predetermined region of the register146.

[0095] Examples of various states of temperature-adjustment control,various states of the light source portion 80, and information(numerical information) corresponding to these states are shown inTable 1. TABLE 1 States Numerical information detected temperature: 140.0 ± 0.5° C. detected temperature: 2 40.5 to 45.0° C. or 35.0 to 39.5°C. detected temperature: 0.0 to 35.0° C. 3 detected temperature: 45.0 to60.0° C. 4 detected temperature: less than 0° C. or more 5 than 60° C.,or failure of LED substrate failure of Peltier element 6 failure of LEDpower source 7

[0096] As shown in Table 1, when the temperature detected by thethermistor 108, that is, the temperature at the end of the base 112 iswithin a range from a value lower than the target temperature-adjustmenttemperature by 0.5° C. to a value higher than the target value by 0.5°C., that is, a range from 39.5° C. to 40.5° C., “1” is stored, asnumerical information, in the register 146. When the temperaturedetected by the thermistor 108 is outside the above-described range,numerical information corresponding to the temperature (any of “2” to“5”) is stored in the register 146. The numerical information “5” alsoindicates the state in which the LED substrate 100 is damaged.

[0097] Further, when the Peltier element 114 is broken, “6” is stored,as numerical information, in the register 146. When a power source (notshown) used to turn on the LED elements 102 is broken, “7” is stored, asnumerical information, in the register 146. A determination that thePeltier element 114 has been broken is made when, for example, thetemperature detected by the thermistor 108 is a value other than thetarget temperature-adjustment value and thereabouts, and does not changeat the time of temperature-adjustment control. Further, a determinationthat the power source for turning on the LED elements 102 has beenbroken, is made when, for example, the LED elements 102 have not beenturned on.

[0098] The information shown in Table 1 are in advance stored in apredetermined region of the ROM 134 in a table.

[0099] The light source portion 80 corresponds to the light sourcedevice according to the aspect of the present invention, the LEDsubstrate 100 corresponds to the light source according to the aspect ofthe present invention, the LED elements 102 correspond to the lightemitting elements according to the aspects of the present invention, thePeltier element 114 corresponds to the temperature adjusting elementaccording to the aspects of the present invention, the elastic members114A and 114B correspond to the elastic members according to the aspectsof the present invention, the thermistor 108 corresponds to thetemperature detecting section according to the aspects of the presentinvention, the radiating fin 116 corresponds to the radiating memberaccording to the aspects of the present invention, dampproofing members118 and 120 correspond to the dampproofing members according to theaspects of the present invention the fan 106 corresponds to the fanaccording to the aspects of the present invention, the compressionspring 126 corresponds to the urging section according to the aspects ofthe present invention, and the CPU 130 corresponds to the controlsection according to the aspects of the present invention.

[0100] Further, the area CCD scanner section 14 corresponds to the imagereading apparatus according to the aspects of the present invention, thearea CCD 30 corresponds to an image sensor according to the aspects ofthe present invention, the thermistor 104 corresponds to the devicetemperature detecting section according to the aspects of the presentinvention, and the photographic film F corresponds to an originalaccording to the aspects of the present invention.

[0101] Operation:

[0102] Next, operation of the digital laboratory system 10 having theabove-described structure will be described. In the digital laboratorysystem 10 according to the present embodiment, when the power source ofthe digital laboratory system 10 is turned on, temperature-adjustmentcontrol is carried out by the temperature-adjustment control section 70.First, a description will be given of the temperature-adjustment controlcarried out by the temperature-adjustment control section 70 withreference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flow chart which shows the flow of thetemperature-adjustment control program executed by the CPU 130 of thetemperature-adjustment control section 70 when temperature-adjustmentcontrol is carried out by the temperature-adjustment control section 70.The temperature-adjustment control program is in advance stored in apredetermined region of the ROM 134. Further, the targettemperature-adjustment value S (in the present embodiment, 40° C.)according to the present embodiment is previously stored, as thetemperature at which the LED elements 102 can stably emit light, in apredetermined area of the ROM 134.

[0103] In step 200 shown in FIG. 7, the temperature CT in the vicinityof the area CCD 30 is detected by the thermistor 104. In the subsequentstep 202, it is determined whether the detected temperature CT is apredetermined temperature (for example, 5° C.) or higher. When thedetected temperature is not the predetermined temperature or higher(when the decision of step 202 is negative), the process returns to step200. When the detected temperature is the predetermined temperature orhigher (when the decision of step 202 is affirmative), the processproceeds to step 204.

[0104] In the area CCD scanner section 14 according to the presentembodiment, a predetermined stand-by power source voltage is applied tothe area CCD 30 and to the film carrier 90 at the time of the powersource of the digital laboratory system 10 being turned on, for thepurpose of stabilizing the operation of the CCD scanner section 14.

[0105] Accordingly, when an environmental temperature at the position atwhich the area CCD scanner section 14 is disposed, is theabove-described predetermined temperature or less, and the temperaturein the scanner section 14 at the time of the power source being turnedon, is the above-described predetermined temperature or less, thetemperature in the scanner section 14 starts to increase from the timeof the power source being turned on, and then, exceeds theabove-described predetermined temperature. In step 200 and step 202, dueto the processing being placed in a stand-by state until the temperatureCT in the vicinity of the area CCD 30 reaches the above-describedpredetermined temperature or higher, a stand-by state is held until thetemperature within the area CCD scanner section 14 becomes higher to acertain degree. As a result, moisture condensation of the light sourceportion 80, which is apt to occur in the subsequenttemperature-adjustment control, is avoided.

[0106] In step 204, the target temperature-adjustment value S is readfrom the predetermined region of the ROM 134. In the subsequent step206, the temperature BT of the base 112 is detected by the thermistor108. In step 208, numerical information which indicate the states oftemperature-adjustment control and the states of the light sourceportion 80 at this point of time are stored for the predetermined regionof the register 146 with reference to the information shown in Table 1stored in the ROM 134.

[0107] In other words, in the above-described step 208, when the Peltierelement 114 is broken, “6” is stored, as the numerical information, forthe register 146. When the power source for turning on the LED elements102 is broken, “7” is stored as the numerical information for theregister 146. In neither case, numerical information corresponding tothe temperature BT detected in the above-described step 206 is storedfor the register 146. As a result, when, for example, the temperature BTis within a range from a value lower than the targettemperature-adjustment value by 0.5° C. to a value higher than thetarget value by 0.5° C., “1” is stored, as the numerical information,for the register 146.

[0108] In the subsequent step 210, it is determined whether thetemperature BT detected in step 206 is lower than the targettemperature-adjustment value S. When the detected temperature BT islower than the target value (when the decision of step 206 isaffirmative), the process proceeds to step 212.

[0109] In step 212, it is determined whether the fan 106 is in a stateof being driven. When the fan 106 is in a state of being driven (whenthe decision of step 212 is affirmative), the process proceeds to step214 in which driving of the fan 106 is stopped. Thereafter, the processproceeds to step 216. Further, when in step 212, it is determined thatthe fan 106 is not in a state of being driven (when the decision of step212 is negative), the process proceeds to step 216 without performingthe process of the above-described step 214.

[0110] In step 216, it is determined whether the temperature of the base112 is in a state of increasing by the Peltier element 114. When thetemperature is not in a state of increasing (when the decision of step216 is negative), the process proceeds to step 218 in which thetemperature of the base 112 starts to increase by the Peltier element114, and thereafter, the process returns to step 206. Further, when instep 216 it is determined that the temperature of the base 112 is in astate of increasing by the Peltier element 114 (when the decision ofstep 216 is affirmative), the process returns to step 206 withoutperforming the process of the above-described step 218.

[0111] When in step 210 it is determined that the temperature BT is notlower than the target temperature-adjustment value S (when the decisionof step 210 is negative), the process proceeds to step 220 in which itis determined whether the temperature BT is higher than the targettemperature-adjustment value S. When the temperature BT is higher (whenthe decision of step 220 is affirmative), the process proceeds to step222.

[0112] In step 222, it is determined whether the fan 106 is in a stateof being driven. When the fan 106 is not in a state of being driven(when the decision of step 222 is negative), the process proceeds tostep 224 in which driving of the fan 106 is started. Thereafter, theprocess proceeds to step 226. Further, when in step 222 it is determinedwhether the fan 106 is in a state of being driven (when the decision ofstep 222 is affirmative), the process proceeds to step 226 withoutperforming the process of the above-described step 224.

[0113] In step 226, it is determined whether the temperature of the base112 is in a state of decreasing by the Peltier element 114. When thetemperature is not in a state of decreasing (when the decision of step226 is negative), the process proceeds to step 228 in which thetemperature of the base 112 starts to decrease by the Peltier element114. Thereafter, the process returns to step 206. Further, when in step226 it is determined whether the temperature of the base 112 is in astate of decreasing by the Peltier element 114 (when the decision ofstep 226 is affirmative), the process returns to step 206 withoutperforming the process of the above-described step 228.

[0114] When in step 220 it is determined that the temperature BT is nothigher than the target temperature-adjustment value S (when the decisionof step 220 is negative), it is determined that the temperature BTcoincides with the target temperature-adjustment value S, and theprocess returns to step 206 while maintaining the states of the variousportions at this point of time.

[0115] Due to repetition of the operation from the above-described step206 to step 228, the temperature BT of the base 112 detected by thethermistor 108 is controlled so as to become uniform at (coincide with)the target temperature-adjustment value S, and the numerical informationwhich indicate the states of temperature-adjustment control and thestates of the light source portion 80 stored in the predetermined areaof the register 146 are sequentially updated in accordance with theactual states thereof.

[0116] Next, operation of the entire digital laboratory system 10according to the present embodiment at the time of image reading will bebriefly described.

[0117] In the area CCD scanner section 14, the numerical informationstored in the predetermined region of the register 146 is read by theabove-described main control section (not shown). When the numericalinformation is any of “5”, “6”, and “7”, the state indicated by thenumerical information is shown on the display 16M. Thereafter, the imagereading operation is stopped.

[0118] On the other hand, when the numerical information read from theregister 146 is any of “2”, “3”, and “4”, a stand-by state is set untilthe numerical information becomes “1”. When the numerical information is“1”, respective image signals of R, G, B, and IR corresponding to imagedensity of a frame image set at the reading position R of the filmcarrier 90 are obtained by the area CCD 30, and subjected to digitalconversion by the A/D converter 32. Thereafter, these signals aretransmitted to the image processing section 16.

[0119] When the above-described image signals are obtained, among theLED elements 102 provided in the LED light source portion 82, first, animage signal of R is obtained in a state in which only LED elements foremitting light of R are made to emit light, and an image signal of G isobtained in a state in which only LED elements for emitting light of Gare made to emit light. Subsequently, an image signal of B is obtainedin a state in which only LED elements for emitting light of B are madeto emit light, and finally, an image signal of IR is obtained in a statein which only LED elements for emitting light of IR are made to emitlight. Thus, in the present embodiment, the image signals are obtainedin the order of R, G, B, and IR. However, the order in which the imagesignals are obtained can be set arbitrarily.

[0120] The image processing section 16 stores the received data, asimage data, in the image memory 44. In the image processing section 16,correction for eliminating the influence of defects or dust on thephotographic film F is made for the image data of R, G, and B based onthe image data of IR. Further, image processing is carried out whichincludes various corrections such as color gradation processing,hypertone processing, and hypersharpness processing, and thereafter, thecorrected image data is outputted, as recording image data, to the laserprinter section 18.

[0121] In the laser printer section 18, laser light modulated incorrespondence to the recording image data is applied to thephotographic printing paper 62 and an image (latent image) is recordedon the photographic printing paper 62 by scan and exposure. Thephotographic printing paper 62 on which an image (latent image) isrecorded by scan and exposure in the laser printer section 18, isconveyed to the processor section 20, in which processing for colordevelopment, bleach-fix, washing, and drying is carried out therefor. Asa result, an image is formed on the photographic printing paper 62.

[0122] As described above in detail, in the light source portion 80serving as the light source device according to the present embodiment,the radiating fin 116 which radiates heat of the Peltier element 114 isdisposed in contact with the light source housing body 88. Therefore,heat from the LED substrate 100 and the Peltier element 114 can bedischarged efficiently. Accordingly, the fan 106 provided fordischarging radiated heat, can be made smaller, thereby preventing thedevice from becoming larger.

[0123] In the light source portion 80 according to the presentembodiment, when the temperature detected by the thermistor 108 ishigher than the target temperature-adjustment value, the fan 106 iscontrolled so as to operate. Therefore, a heat radiation effect of theradiating fin 116 can be improved and temperature-adjustment control canbe carried out with high accuracy.

[0124] Further, in the light source portion 80 according to the presentembodiment, the LED substrate 100, the Peltier element 114 and theradiating fin 116 are structured integrally by the urging force of thecompression spring 126. Accordingly, as compared with a conventionalstructure in which the LED substrate 100, the Peltier element 114 andthe radiating fin 116 are integrated by adhesion, assembling efficiencyand maintenability can be substantially improved.

[0125] Moreover, in the light source portion 80 according to the presentembodiment, when the LED substrate 100, the Peltier element 114 and theradiating fin 116 are formed integrally, the elastic members 114A and114B are interposed between respective contact surfaces of the LEDsubstrate, Peltier element and radiating fin, so as to reduce force tobe applied to urged positions on the contact surfaces between thesecomponents to be integrated. As a result, breakage of each component canbe prevented and the state in which these components closely contactwith one another, can be improved.

[0126] Still further, in the light source portion 80 according to thepresent embodiment, the elastic members 114A and 114B are each formed ofmaterials having high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the thermalconductivity of a heat radiation path between the LED substrate 100, thePeltier element 114 and the radiating fin 116 can be improved. Further,adjustment of the temperature of the LED substrate 100 by the Peltierelement 114 and radiation of heat by the radiating fin 116 can becarried out efficiently.

[0127] Additionally, in the light source portion 80 according to thepresent embodiment, a dampproofing effect is obtained, and eachdampproofing member is disposed so that the LED elements 102 and thePeltier element 114 are respectively isolated from the outside in such amanner as to be combined with other members. Accordingly, moisturecondensation of the LED elements 102 and the Peltier element 114, whichare isolated from the outside, can be prevented.

[0128] In the area CCD scanner section 14 serving as the image readingapparatus according to the present embodiment, only when the temperaturewithin the apparatus is a predetermined temperature or higher, thecontrol of the Peltier element 114 is performed. Therefore, there is nopossibility that the temperature of the LED substrate 100 be rapidlyraised by the Peltier element 114, and occurrence of moisturecondensation can be prevented.

[0129] The present embodiment was described in a case in which thePeltier element 114 is used as the temperature adjusting element of thepresent invention, but the present invention is not limited to the same.For example, a power transistor may also be applied.

[0130] However, in the temperature-adjustment control using a powertransistor, the power transistor merely controls so as to increase thetemperature, and therefore, it is necessary that the targettemperature-adjustment value be set at a value higher than theenvironmental temperature at the position in which the are CCD scannersection 14 is disposed. However, in this case, temperature-adjustmentcontrol can be simply carried out only by on/off control of the powertransistor.

[0131] Further, the present embodiment was described in a case in whichthe compression spring 126 is used as the urging section according tothe aspects of the present invention, but the present invention is notlimited to the same. For example, any member such as blade spring orrubber can be applied so long as it is capable of generating urgingforce by which the LED substrate 100, the Peltier element 114 and theradiating fin 116 are integrally structured. In this case as well, thesame effects as those of the present embodiment can be obtained.

[0132] Moreover, the present embodiment was described in a case in whichthe thermistor 104 provided in the vicinity of the area CCD 30 is usedas the device temperature detecting section according to the aspects ofthe present invention, but the present invention is not limited to thesame. For example, a temperature detecting section provided in thevicinity of the laser light sources 52 in the laser printer section 18for the purpose of temperature-adjustment control for the laser lightsources 52 can also be used.

[0133] In other words, the device temperature detecting section of thepresent invention is provided so as to detect the temperature within thearea CCD scanner section 14 for the purpose of preventing occurrence ofmoisture condensation at the time of temperature-adjustment control inthe light source portion 80. When the power source of the digitallaboratory system 10 is turned on, the temperature within the laserprinter section 18 also increases in a manner similar to the temperaturewithin the area CCD scanner section 14. Therefore, it is possible toindirectly detect the temperature within the area CCD scanner section 14from the temperature detected by the temperature detecting sectionprovided in the vicinity of the laser light sources 52. In this case aswell, the same effects as those of the present embodiment can beobtained.

[0134] Still further, the present embodiment was described in a case inwhich only one thermistor 108 is used as the temperature detectingsection according to the aspects of the present invention, but thepresent invention is not limited to the same. For example,temperature-adjustment control may also be carried out based ontemperature values obtained by a plurality of thermistors mounted atdifferent positions on the base 112. In this case,temperature-adjustment control can be carried out based on thetemperature values at the different positions on the base 112, andtherefore, further appropriate temperature-adjustment control can becarried out.

[0135] Further, in the foregoing, there was described a case in whichthe area CCD is used as the image sensor of the present invention, butthe present invention is not limited to the same. For example, a linearCCI) can also be applied.

[0136] Moreover, in the foregoing, these was described a structure whichincludes LED elements which emit light of IR so as to detect defects ordust on the photographic film F. However, the LED elements which emitlight of IR may also be omitted.

[0137] Still further, the present embodiment was described in a case inwhich temperature-adjustment control is effected in a softwareconfiguration by executing a temperature-adjustment control program, butthe present invention is not limited to the same. A structure may alsobe applied, wherein temperature-adjustment control is effected in ahardware configuration by using a circuit which is capable of effectingthe same control. In this case, as compared with the present embodiment,temperature-adjustment control can be effected at a higher speed.

[0138] According to the light source device of the present invention, aradiating member for radiating heat of at least one of a light sourceand a temperature adjusting element for adjusting the temperature of thelight source, is disposed in contact with a device housing body.Therefore, heat from the light source and from the temperature adjustingelement can be discharged efficiently. Accordingly, a fan provided fordischarging radiation heat can be made smaller, thereby preventing thedevice from becoming larger.

[0139] Further, according to the light source device of the presentinvention, a light source in which a plurality of light emittingelements are arranged on a substrate in a two-dimensional manner, atemperature adjusting element for adjusting the temperature of the lightsource by carrying out at least one of heat absorption and heatradiation, and a radiating member for radiating heat of at least one ofthe light source and the temperature adjusting element, are formedintegrally by urging force of urging section. Accordingly, as comparedwith a conventional structure in which the light source, the temperatureadjusting element, and the radiating member are integrated by adhesion,assembling efficiency and maintenability can be substantially improved.

[0140] Moreover, according to the image reading method and apparatus ofthe present invention, only when the temperature within the apparatusbecomes a predetermined value or higher, the temperature adjustingelement is provided so as to control the temperature. Accordingly, thereis no possibility that the temperature of the light source is rapidlyraised by the temperature adjusting element, and occurrence of moisturecondensation can be prevented.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light source device comprising: a light sourcefor emitting light; a temperature detecting section for detecting atemperature of the light source; a temperature adjusting element foradjusting the temperature of the light source by effecting at least oneof heat absorption and heat radiation; a heat radiating member forradiating heat of at least one of the light source and the temperatureadjusting element, the heat radiating member being disposed in contactwith a housing body of the device; and a control section for controllingthe temperature adjusting element so that a temperature detected by thetemperature detecting section becomes a predetermined temperature.
 2. Alight source device according to claim 1, further comprising a fan forcooling the heat radiating member, wherein when the temperature detectedby the temperature detecting section is higher than the predeterminedtemperature, the control section controls to operate the fan.
 3. A lightsource device comprising: a light source including a plurality of lightemitting elements arranged on a substrate; a temperature detectingsection for detecting a temperature of the fight source; a temperatureadjusting element for adjusting the temperature of the light source byeffecting at least one of heat absorption and heat radiation; a heatradiating member for radiating heat of at least one of the light sourceand the temperature adjusting element; an urging section for integrallyforming the light source, the temperature adjusting element, and theheat radiation member by urging force thereof; and a control section forcontrolling the temperature adjusting element so that a temperaturedetected by the temperature detecting section becomes a predeterminedtemperature.
 4. A light source device according to claim 3, furthercomprising: elastic members interposed between respective contactsurfaces of the light source, the temperature adjusting element and theheat radiation member which are formed integrally.
 5. A light sourcedevice according to claim 4, wherein the elastic members are each formedto include material having a high thermal conductivity.
 6. A lightsource device according to claim 3, further comprising a fan for coolingthe heat radiating member, wherein when the temperature detected by thetemperature detecting section is higher than the predeterminedtemperature, the control section controls to operate the fan.
 7. A lightsource device according to claim 1, further comprising a dampproofingmember having a dampproofing effect and disposed so that at least one ofthe light source and the temperature adjusting element is isolated fromthe outside in a state of being combined with other member.
 8. A lightsource device according to claim 3, further comprising a dampproofingmember having a dampproofing effect and disposed so that at least one ofa group consisting the plurality of light emission elements and thetemperature adjusting element is isolated from the outside in a state ofbeing combined with another member.
 9. A light source device accordingto claim 1, wherein the predetermined temperature is set to be higherthan an environmental temperature at a position in which the lightsource device is disposed.
 10. A light source device according to claim3, wherein the predetermined temperature is set to be higher than anenvironmental temperature at a position in which the light source deviceis disposed.
 11. An image reading apparatus for reading an image on anoriginal, comprising: a light source device including a light source foremitting light, a temperature detecting section for detecting atemperature of the light source, a temperature adjusting element foradjusting the temperature of the light source by effecting at least oneof heat absorption and heat radiation, a heat radiating member forradiating heat of at least one of the light source and the temperatureadjusting element, the heat radiating member being disposed in contactwith a housing body of the device, and a control section for controllingthe temperature adjusting element so that a temperature detected by thetemperature detecting section becomes a predetermined temperature; animage sensor for receiving light emitted from the light source deviceand reflected by or transmitted through the original, thereby reading animage on the original; and a device temperature detecting section fordetecting a temperature within the image reading apparatus, wherein onlywhen the temperature detected by the device temperature detectingsection becomes a prefixed temperature or higher, the control section ofthe light source device controls the temperature adjusting element. 12.An image reading apparatus for reading an image on an original,comprising: a light source device including a light source including aplurality of light emitting elements arranged on a substrate, atemperature detecting section for detecting a temperature of the lightsource, a temperature adjusting element for adjusting the temperature ofthe light source by effecting at least one of heat absorption and heatradiation, a heat radiating member for radiating heat of at least one ofthe light source and the temperature adjusting element, an urgingsection for integrally forming the light source, the temperatureadjusting element, and the heat radiation member by urging forcethereof, and a control section for controlling the temperature adjustingelement so that a temperature detected by the temperature detectingsection becomes a predetermined temperature; an image sensor forreceiving light emitted from the light source device and reflected by ortransmitted through the original, thereby reading an image on theoriginal; and a device temperature detecting section for detecting atemperature within the image reading apparatus, wherein only when thetemperature detected by the device temperature detecting section becomesa prefixed temperature or higher, the control section of the lightsource device controls the temperature adjusting element.
 13. An imagereading apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the predeterminedtemperature is set so as to be higher than an environmental temperatureat a position in which the light source device is disposed.
 14. An imagereading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the predeterminedtemperature is set to be higher than an environmental temperature at aposition in which the light source device is disposed.
 15. An imagereading method by use of an image reading apparatus for reading an imageon an original, in which the image reading apparatus comprises a lightsource device including a light source for emitting light; a temperaturedetecting section for detecting a temperature of the light source; atemperature adjusting element for adjusting the temperature of the lightsource by effecting at least one of heat absorption and heat radiation;a heat radiating member for radiating heat of at least one of the lightsource and the temperature adjusting element, the heat radiating memberbeing disposed in contact with a housing body of the device; and acontrol section for controlling the temperature adjusting element sothat a temperature detected by the temperature detecting section becomesa predetermined temperature, wherein only when the temperature withinthe image reading apparatus becomes a prefixed temperature or higher,the temperature adjusting element is controlled by the control sectionof the light source device.
 16. An image reading method by use of animage reading apparatus for reading an image on an original, in whichthe image reading apparatus comprises a light source device including alight source including a plurality of light emitting elements arrangedon a substrate; a temperature detecting section for detecting atemperature of the light source; a temperature adjusting element foradjusting the temperature of the light source by effecting at least oneof heat absorption and heat radiation; a heat radiating member forradiating heat of at least one of the light source and the temperatureadjusting element; an urging section for integrally forming the lightsource, the temperature adjusting element, and the heat radiation memberby urging force thereof; and a control section for controlling thetemperature adjusting element so that a temperature detected by thetemperature detecting section becomes a predetermined temperature.wherein only when the temperature within the image reading apparatusbecomes a prefixed temperature or higher, the temperature adjustingelement is controlled by the control section of the light source device.